ALLTECH CRAFT BREWS AND FOOD FAIR SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

After three fantastic days of craft beer, spirits and cider, the Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair closed its doors Sunday evening at the Convention Centre Dublin. Now in its fourth year, the festival attracted more than 10,000 visitors and officially became a world record breaker. The Guinness World Record for the world’s largest beer tasting was smashed on the opening evening, Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. Ireland now holds the record with 729 people simultaneously tasting three beers. The record was previously held by Mexico with 714 participants. “Breaking a Guinness World Records title and sharing it with fellow craft beer lovers was the perfect way to kick off the Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair this weekend,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “Not only were there 729 fans of craft beer in the room with me but they were from all over the world: Italy, Russia, Wales, the U.S.A and even Mexico and Brazil! What a fantastic win for our festival and for Ireland.”According to Gearoid Cahill, European director of brewing science for Alltech, and the official beer sommelier for the record-breaking attempt, the craft brewing industry is thriving in Ireland. “Craft beers, spirits and ciders have become a true talking point and are recognized and appreciated in Ireland and indeed the world over in the last number of years. Consumer excitement and passion for the craft beverage industry was displayed this weekend and truly has reached new heights here in Ireland.”The awards continued at the festival with the Dublin Craft Beer and Cider Cups winners announced on Friday evening. Award-winning brewers and cider makers received gold, silver and bronze medals in various categories, judged on appearance, aroma, flavor, body, style and quality. The fourth annual Dublin Craft Beer Cup was awarded to Irish brewers Rye River for their McGarglesFrancis’ Big Bangin IPA.Rye River brew their craft beers in Co. Kildare. The Dublin Craft Cider Cup was awarded to fellow Irish company Orpens for their Fresh Pressed Apple Cider. A full list of winners for the Dublin Craft Beer & Cider Cups can be found here.More than seventy exhibitors showcased their finest brews and food offerings to an eager crowd of more than 10,000 over the weekend. Live entertainment was provided by a range of talented Irish bands including The Camembert Quartet and Booka Brass Band. Attendees also enjoyed live Six Nations Rugby on three giant screens and a Craft Beer Grand Slam hosted by self confessed craft beer lover Rick O’Shea.The festival organizers look forward to announcing the plans for the 2017 Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair. Fans are urged to keep in touch with the team on Twitter via @alltechbrews and on Facebook.